Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1887-08-26
ALL FOR LOVE.

Jof otIttMOtt.
ALL FOR LOVE.
One Of the most brilliant salons of Paris
was opened to receive the son Of an init
mate friend of the family, who was about
to make his first appearance in the fashion
able society of that city. Presented, feted,
admired, the young Raoul, Viscount Of Ar
court, received all the homage due to the
name he bore Son of parents whose no
bility dated centuries back, wealthy, of
fine physique and attractive features, ev
erything about the young man betokened
high breeding At this time Raou was
about p years but he already displayed a
firm and dignihed character, inherited from
his father, for whom he had the profound
est respect, while he adored his still beauti-
full and gracious mother. 1t was, there
fore, not with Indifference that he heard
the words Of his father, who said TO him
BE careful my boy, to resist all the seduc
tive attractions Of Paris. l should prefer
to see you lying dead at my feet rather than
that you should enter into any misalliance.
The more gentle mother said Follow the
direction Of your father in all things, my
child and / know you too well to fear for
your future
having been reared in the peace and tran
guilty of Brittany, the brilliancy and gale
ty Of this most beautiful city were dazzling
One evening friend invited him to 90 to
witness the playing of the most charming
actress he had ever seen. When they ar
rived two acts had already been given, and
the curtain was Just falling, amid the ap-
plause of the audience. But before the
curtain fell, he caught glimpse of the cen
tral figure in a grand tableau-a young and
lovely girl resting on a cloud, surrounded
by cherubs. In response to the continued
applause and cries of Annette, An
nette, the curtain was lifted again the
cloud descended, and an actor led the young
girl before the audience, blushing as she
acknowledged the appreciation given her.
This only redoubled the applause.
Imagine a young girl of fifteen years,
with face white as Marguerite, fresh as
a rosebud, framed in blonde hair, large blue
| eyes, a mouth red as a cherry, and man
ner as shy as a fawn.
"Well, what do YOU think of her = asked
the friend of Raoul when the curtain had
finally shut from view this vision of inno-
cent loveliness but he received no reply
from the enraptured young man.
Next evening he went again to the play ;
no expression of the mobile face, and his
infatuation grew so strong that it drew him
night after night to the theatre.
One evening, to the great horror of the
spectators, the cord that sustained an airy
structure on which she was performing
| broke, and Annette fell to the stage, where
she lay so white and still that at first they
| thought her dead, and many from the aud
ience impulsively rushed forward to assist
her friends, but were motioned back by the
father, who jealously watched this fair
flower, all that was left of this once happy
family, and near whose side he might al
ways be found. Raoul watched the exit
from the theatre, and quietly followed,
when at last the father came out with the
injured girl and placed her in carriage,
driving slowly home, Next morning the
young man presented himself at the door
of this humble home to ask after the daugh-
ter. He was received coldly by the father,
but learned that she was not so seriously
hurt as they at first feared. Raoul was not
so easily daunted, however, and gradually
his sincerity of manner and gentlemanly
bearing won the fathers confidence.
One day, on going to make his customary
inquiries, Annette herself opened the door
for him, and an exclamation of joy burst
"Ah, you do not know how happy l ami
he exclaimed.
"And l, too" she responded, giving hin
her hand.
He entered the modest dwelling, anG
soon learned that the charms of her mind
eaualed those of her face. The hours flew
all too quickly until he was forced to take
his leave, but every day following founC
him at her side, never so happy as wheT
listening to her voice.
"Why are you an actress ~ said he one
day.
I'm order to support my father" she re
piled "he is an old soldier with only
small pension, not sufficient to procure th'
necessaries of life"
By the time Annette was well enough t
take up her old part again, Raoul had be
come too deeply interested in her TO see hel
acting in public and be Indifferent to it
His attentions to the actress had not beer
unnoticed by his friends in Paris, and, anx
ious about his welfare, letter was sent t
his father in Brittany, giving an account o
what they were pleased to term Raoul's in
discretions. The count and countess can't
quickly to Paris, and without reproachinl
their son besought him to return home witt
them. This Raoul refused TO do, express
ing a desire TO remain in Paris. He ac
knowledged his profound attachment for
young girl, and begged his father to asl
her hand of her lawful guardian. Tn
count at first laughed at his son, and said
''At your age every young man believe
himself in love-"
This enraged Raoul, who retorted
"Were the lady titled and wealthy, woul
you treat the matter so lightly I"
Then the mother interposed
"But think, my son, would you MARI
an actress Accustomed TO the eXcitemen
of her present life, could you expect her t
be satisfied long with the tameness of mar
red life Would she not soon wish TO re
, turn to the profession No, no, coul
never consent
After many hot disputes, Raou remain
ing firm, the count declared
"If you marry this girl you shall neve
again come inside Of our home, and we wi
disown you as our SON"
{ And feeling that nothing was TO be game
by further controversy then, trusting tina
time would show their son the folly of hi
intentions, the count and countess return
ed home.
Soon after this Annette's father, wor
out with prolonged anxiety and care, sue
denly died, leaving the poor child lonely
indeed Raoul found her utterly desOlat,
Z "Would that too might have gone" sll
moaned.
! "Do not grieve so," he said 81 hav
, long loved you dearly, Be my wife an
Z give me the right TO protect you-the righ
q my darling, TO take you from the life yo
5 now lead, and make you the star of m
Z life and home. Could you be conten
/ sweetheart, to share my lot have NJ
Z much to offer you. cannot promise va
e the luxuries of life but only let me PR
r tect you from the cold, neglectful worl,
5 shield you from its cares and temptation
r by bestowing upon you the dignity of
- wife. However little may have that Ii
9 tie will always be sweetened II shared
r you. Tell me, could you be content p
+ While he spoke Annette's heart gre
brighter than she believed il could ever